[Day 11]

July 12, 2013

RADIANT | Day 11…

Well they say it’s my birthday… happy, happy birthday! Yep, I am closer to the big 40 than I have EVER been in my LIFE! I mean it is getting really close! I think I might be really okay with it… Really. I think. Oh, I do wish though I would have been walking closer to the Lord back in the day…

You know, as a mother now I can’t help but think of my own mother on my birthday… For it to be “my day” there was one day when it was all about her. Yes, of course everyone is anxious for the baby, but man what a day for the sweet mommas. Today I celebrate my birthday and my precious Mommas birthing day! She is an amazing woman and has always been a shining light in my life.

All this birthday and birthing-day got me thinking about my own kiddos and what a light they have been in my life. Their innocent child-like faith is refreshing as the gift of a new day.

My Emma Mae has such a heart for God… You know I mess up daily, but some how they have managed to pick up mostly the good stuff! Today, I wanted to share with you her first little mission project she came up with all on her very own… {I pray she loves Jesus more than her Momma does!}

Project Painted Rock

Isn’t she precious! She is such a light in my world!

Trying to find the pictures, I was redirected to my first blog and found the story there. This is what I shared what seems to be many moons ago…

The Painted Rock Project {Friday, August 13, 2010}

Well, Emma Mae is one busy little bee! For the last couple of days she has been asking me to help her gather some rocks for her to paint. She wanted to set up a table at the end of our driveway and try and sell these beautiful rocks she had painted. I thought it was a great idea, although it is reaching 102 degrees outside! After asking her what she was going to do with the money she raised, she informed me that she was going to give me all of the money!?! Apparently, she doesn’t think I have any! (This probably comes from the the idea of countless times telling them, “No, Momma does not have any money!” to all their wants and wishes in WalMart!) Well, I thought this was a great opportunity to teach her of God’s love for others. After explaining to her that her Daddy worked very hard to make sure we had everything we needed, that there were so many others in this world that were not as fortunate as we were. Maybe she could think of someone or some thing that we could do with part of the money she raised. During our VBS program this summer we learned of a mission project about kids reaching kids. Spreading the light of Jesus Christ to the children on the streets. She decided this was a good place to start.

Well, through proud parents and grandparents, the word spread. In one afternoon she raised over $30.00. She decided to take half of the money raised and put it in her coffee can for “charity” and save the other half in her “wallet” to buy more paint supplies for more painted rocks. And, after taking several commissions for more of Emma’s rocks her grandmother dubbed this “The Painted Rock Project”. So, here begins Emma’s project! We pray that these little rainbow colored rocks will multiply and spread and tell a story of our amazing Savior Jesus Christ and his love for each and everyone of us! Through this little project may He receive all the glory and praise!

Brings back fun memories and reminds me the influence a child can have on others.

It is thrilling to watch her grow… into a beautiful, giving, Christ-seeking little girl! NEVER underestimate child-like faith and their ability to reflect Christ RADIANCE.

I ask you today to encourage your little ones {we all have them around} to seek Christ with all their hearts and be a RADIANT light for Him! Talk to them on ALL the ways they can shine their light on others paths. Let them know what a difference even as a child they CAN make for the Kingdom of God!

Remind them of this verse {thanks Monique!}…

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit,[a] in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 {KJV}

encourage the little ones to be Radiant,

hide them in your heart…

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. Psalms 34:5